How is botulism spread?
Foodborne botulism is acquired through the ingestion of the toxin in foods which were not properly canned or preserved, or which were not adequately cooked or reheated before eating. Most cases in the United States are due to home-canned fruits and vegetables. Infants develop botulism through the ingestion of food contaminated with the bacterial spores, which then produce the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract. Person-to-person spreading does not occur.

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1. What is botulism?
2. Who gets botulism?
3. How is botulism spread?
4. How can botulism be prevented?
5. What are the symptoms of botulism?
6. How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
7. How is botulism diagnosed?
8. What is the treatment for botulism?
9. What happens if botulism is not treated?